A Stunning Semi-Hollowbody with Supreme Sonic Versatility

Get ready for a rich-sounding semi-hollowbody in a comfortable solidbody size. The Ibanez AM153 Artstar is a lightweight axe that resonates beautifully. Built with premium tonewoods, the AM153's bubinga body and three-piece set-in mahogany/maple neck reverberate your playing in a warm jazzy tone with wonderful sustain. The two Super '58 Custom pickups come with a Tri-Sound switch that offers settings for a parallel, series, or coil-tapping sound. Holding it all down is the ART-1 bridge for secure intonation and longer sustain. The AM153 Artstar is a brilliant and comfortable semi-hollowbody that knocks tone out of the park with a versatile punch.

Lightweight Smaller-Sized Body

The Am153 Artstar's bubigna semi-hollowbody is compact like a solidbody, which is great if you're not used to the larger style of most semi-hollowbody guitars. Its well-balanced lightweight composition makes it a comfortable fit if you're in for a long gig or recording session. The comfortable three-piece set-in mahogany/maple neck is great for speedy licks and finger-stretching jazz chords.

Two Super '58 Custom Pickups and Tri-Sound Switch

Your pair of Super '58 Custom humbuckers complement the AM153's tonewoods wonderfully. Ranging from a dark, warm, and jazzy sound to a sharper lead tone, these two humbuckers give you room and the sonic flexibility to really test your fingers. Switching seamlessly between jazzy and rock tones is made even simpler with the AM153's Tri-Sound switch -- it offers positions for a traditional-sounding series setting; a brighter, more single-coil-like tone for the parallel setting; or a coil-tapping sound to get a truer single-coil result.

Great Sustain Over a Smooth Neck

Getting a nice sharp lead tone with minimal effort will allow you to take advantage of the AM153's comfortable action and smooth bound ebony fingerboard. Whether you're playing speedy runs or hesitating on sustained passing tones, you'll get a continuously smooth feel as your fingers glide over the AM153's Artstar fret edge treated neck. And you can count on the durable ART-1 bridge for longer sustain and consistent intonation.

Ibanez Non-New Product Warranty Information
Ibanez Electric Guitars and Basses have a 1-year warranty on NEW instruments only for the ORIGINAL purchaser with a Sales Receipt. All used products are not under warranty.

If you have additional warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer at 800-669-8262

Product Description

As part of Ibanez's Artstar Series the AM153 is a semi-hollow compact model designed for the working pro that loves the tone, but needs more volume and sustain, and enjoys the comfort of a compact body style. There's nothing like the tone of a hollowbody. It creates a sonic quality no electronics can replicate.

The Figured Bubinga body is finished in a deep, rich Dark Brown Sunburst. The 3-piece Mahogany/ Maple set-in neck has a bound Ebony fingerboard with Pearl/Abalone block inlay, Medium frets and the Artstar Fret Edge Treatment, for a fast, smooth feel. For extended tone options the AM153 comes with two Super 58 custom pickups and a Tri-Sound switch for the neck pickup that allows you to select Humbucker in series (traditional), parallel (brighter, single coil type tone w/ lower output and hum cancellation) or coil-tapping for a single coil sound. Sure Grip III knobs provide non-slip functionality and an ART-1 bridge provides improved sustain and tuning stability. Features gold hardware and includes a hardshell case.

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Ibanez Artstar AM 153 a looker"

Overall:
I was attracted to this guitar by the reduced size for what was described as a jazz dedicated issue from Ibanez. I own two other Ibanez guitars (George Benson GB30 and Pat Methany PM2) and have been impressed with the quality of the build and ease of playability of these Chinese built guitars. The AM153 is a beautiful guitar to look at. I couldn't locate a build flaw upon arrival. It was heavier than I anticipated but I reminded myself that this is a "semi-hollow body" as opposed to a full hollow body guitar. And although it had the same pickups as my Benson model, the tone was considerably brighter than a full hollow body jazz box. (note: I still need to switch out the included strings with some chrome flat wounds in an effort to obtain a fatter, warmer tone.) I'd also say that Ibanez might do a better job at concealing the wire works inside the guitar as viewed through the F-holes....they might be described as "in your face". The "star" of the guitar would be the neck. It is fast and smooth and lends itself to playing jazz genre chords up and down the neck with a nice clean, melodic sound. The exaggerated cut-aways, (as compared to a deeper classic jazz box cutaway) allow for easy access to the high registers, enabling more efficient finger placements with the resultant smoother tones. While I would have liked it a bit lighter (feels like 7.5 pounds) and a bit fatter in its native tone, the AM 153's shear beauty and build quality will force me to keep it for a spell. I'd also mention that ZZsounds had this ax in my hands in less than 24 hours. Imagine my clicking on the FedeX track button the day after ordering and getting the message...."package left on front porch" and peeking out the door only to find it there first thing in the morning. Astounding efficiency!

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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"Ibanez AM 153"

Overall:
Appearance; looks fantastic! Crafmanship; exceptional down to every detail. Quality was better than my custom Gibson Les PaulSet up; truss rod set up was perfect. Action was set @ 5/64 low side and 4/64 on the treble side 17th fret. Intonation only needed minor adjustment.Sound; impressive! Ran it through a Marshall, Boogie and Fender Twin from clean to distorted and was very pleased.Pros: great guitar for the price and a real looker. A joy to play!Cons: the gold finish on the bridge and tail piece rubbed off within six hours of play.

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